On the Line

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "On The Line" by Tangier from their 1991 album Stranded, a song that brings gritty, bluesy hard rock to the airwaves for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, part of Tangier’s third album, showcases the band’s evolution into a heavier, more soulful sound compared to their earlier AOR roots. While specific interviews or social media posts about "On The Line" are scarce, the album Stranded is notable for its lineup changes and the inclusion of vocalist-guitarist Mike LeCompt, who brought a fresh energy to the band. The music video for the album’s title track, "Stranded," famously featured Pamela Anderson, which helped boost its visibility on MTV during the early '90s. Fans on platforms like Tangier’s Facebook fan group often reminisce about the band’s raw, live performances during this era, with some recalling how "On The Line" captured the band’s knack for blending Southern rock influences with a Philadelphia edge.

Trivia about "On The Line" ties into the album’s production and Tangier’s place in the late '80s/early '90s rock scene. The song, like much of Stranded, reflects a shift toward a bluesier, more rugged sound, drawing comparisons to bands like Whitesnake and Lynyrd Skynyrd. According to a bio on Sleaze Roxx, the album was recorded with a new rhythm section, including drummer Bobby Bender and bassist Garry Nutt, which gave tracks like "On The Line" a tighter, more dynamic feel. Though the song didn’t chart as high as the title track, it’s a fan favorite among those who followed Tangier’s club performances in Philadelphia, where they shared stages with bands like Cinderella. The lack of recent social media buzz about the song—due to Tangier’s disbandment in 1992—doesn’t diminish its cult status, as evidenced by discussions on fan-driven sites like Rate Your Music, where users praise its driving riffs and LeCompt’s soulful vocals.

Tangier’s origins trace back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where songwriter and guitarist Doug Gordon formed the band in 1984. As detailed on Wikipedia, Gordon assembled the initial lineup with vocalist Bill Mattson, guitarist Rocco Mazzella, bassist Mike Kost, and drummer Mark Hopkins. The band cut their teeth in the local club scene, gaining traction alongside acts like Cinderella, who later invited Tangier to open for them on a major tour. Their self-titled debut in 1985 was a straightforward AOR effort, but it wasn’t until their 1989 album Four Winds that they secured a major label deal with Atco Records. Gordon’s songwriting and guitar work earned praise, with Guitar World highlighting his fiery playing on tracks like "Sweet Surrender" in 1989. Despite lineup shifts, including Mattson’s departure before Stranded, Tangier’s blend of hard rock, blues, and Southern influences carved out a niche in the competitive glam metal era.

For those looking to dive deeper into Tangier’s world, the band maintains a presence online, though it’s largely fan-driven since their breakup. Their official website, TangierBand.com, serves as a hub for discography and history, keeping the band’s legacy alive. On Facebook, the Tangier page and its associated fan group are active with fans sharing memories, rare photos, and vinyl finds. While the band’s official Instagram posts nostalgic content, it’s less frequently updated. There’s no official X account for Tangier, but fans occasionally post about the band using hashtags like #TangierRock. Dedicated fan communities, such as the Tangier Rocks! group on Facebook, offer a space for Zoo Freaks and other enthusiasts to connect over the band’s music and share stories from their live shows.